Governor Gianforte Announces Montana’s Tax Climate Ranked Fifth in Nation

Governor Gianforte Announces Montana's Tax Climate Ranked Fifth in Nation

Tax Foundation report latest recognition of governor's pro-jobs, pro-business agenda

• November 07 2024

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today highlighted a report from the Tax Foundation, which ranked Montana as a top five state for tax competitiveness.

"In Montana, we'll continue advancing our pro-jobs, pro-family, pro-business policies to make our state the best place to live, work, and start a business," Gov. Gianforte said. "By cutting taxes and reducing red tape, the American dream can come alive for even more Montanans."

Gov. Gianforte discussing Montana's historic tax package on the steps of the Montana State Capitol in March 2023

According to the nationally recognized Tax Foundation, the State Tax Competitiveness Index enables policymakers, taxpayers, and business leaders to gauge how their states' tax systems compare. While there are many ways to show how much state governments collect in taxes, the Tax Foundation's Index evaluates how well states structure their tax systems and provides a road map for improvement.

Creating the best environment for business and more opportunities for Montanans is a top priority of the Gianforte administration.

Last spring, the governor was proud to deliver the largest tax cut in state history, providing income tax cuts for Montanans at every level, as well as immediate and long-term property tax relief. Since taking office, the governor has reduced the state's top individual income tax rate from 6.9 percent to 5.9 percent and reduced the number of income tax brackets from seven to two.

In addition, the governor has reformed the state's tax code to cut red tape and promote business investment and job creation, attracting businesses from around the world to Montana.

Montana's top ranking from the Tax Foundation is the latest in a list of recognitions from other national groups. In October, the Cato Institute gave Gov. Gianforte and the State of Montana an "A" rating for fiscal responsibility.

A recent report from the Montana Department of Labor & Industry confirmed that the pro-business, pro-jobs policies enacted by the governor and the legislature are delivering results. Since 2020, Montana was second in the nation for fastest wage growth and eighth for fastest employment growth.

The Tax Foundation State Tax Competitiveness Index can be viewed here.

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